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Bengals use franchise tag on DE Michael Johnson

One of the top defensive ends slated to hit the free agent market won't get there without the franchise tag attached to him. The Cincinnati Bengals will designate Michael Johnson as their franchise player

Barring a new contract that supersedes the tag, Johnson will make $11.1 million in 2013.

"Michael and I both understand what they did and we will continue to talk with the Bengals," said Rick Smith, who is Johnson's agent. "We have talked a number of times, there just wasn't enough time to zero in on a deal and get something done. We will keep working at it. It is not going to be acrimonious."

At the moment, Johnson would be the highest-paid player on the team with cornerback Leon Hall next at a cap number of $8.4 million.

A third-round pick out of Georgia Tech in 2009, the 6-7, 270-pounder exploded for 11½ sacks in 2012, equaling his career total over his first three seasons. Johnson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins spearheaded the defensive line of a defense that quietly ranked sixth in the league last year.

"Obviously we are committed to re-signing Mike," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in a statement. "And this move is part of the process to keep a young and promising defense together. Mike has worked hard to improve himself every year during his time as a Bengal, helping us to the postseason three of four years. We have every reason to believe he will continue to grow as a leader and productive player."

Added defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer: "This guy has come up in our system, he plays about 85% of our snaps, and he's the kind of guy we love to have around.

"He's hard-working and a great team player. He's an outstanding run defender in addition to his pass rush production."

Johnson, who is taking classes at Georgia Tech, was unavailable for comment but did say last week about free agency and the possibility of receiving the tag: "I'm not trippin', no one else should. I don't worry about all that other stuff. I approach every year the same, that's what works for me."

By tagging Johnson, the Bengals still have time to work out a long-term deal with right tackle Andre Smith, another key player who is unsigned. Even with Johnson tagged, Cincinnati still has more than $40 million in available cap space to work with.

The last three players tagged by the Bengals — defensive tackle Justin Smith, offensive lineman Stacy Andrews and kicker Shayne Graham — departed the following season. It could be four since kicker Mike Nugent, tagged last year, might not be back once free agency begins March 12.